Download HD2 – Mobile Moisture Meter

Transcript
PRECISE MOISTURE MEASUREMENT
HD2 – Mobile Moisture Meter
Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions HD2
Thank you very much for deciding to purchase
this IMKO product!
Should you have any questions in regard to this product please contact our local distribution partner or us
directly.
IMKO Micromodultechnik GmbH
Im Stoeck 2
D-76275 Ettlingen
Germany
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Internet:
+49-7243-5921-0
+49-7243-90856
info@imko.de
http://www.imko.de
The HD2 is a portable device which serves for the display of measurement values delivered by Trime moisture measurement sensors and was designed for mobile field deployment.
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2011-12-05
2011-12-05
Operating Instructions HD2
User Manual Portable Measuring Instrument HD2
Version November 2011
Content
General Notices ................................................................................................... 5
1
1.1
Intended Use ............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2
The Chargeable Accumulator ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.3
Charging the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument ..................................................................................... 5
1.4
Temperatures and Ambient Conditions ....................................................................................................... 5
2
Control Elements ................................................................................................. 6
3
Initial Commissioning ........................................................................................... 7
3.1
Safety Instructions...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2
Checking the Delivery Scope .................................................................................................................... 7
3.3
Charging the Accumulator .......................................................................................................................... 7
3.4
Connecting a Sensor ................................................................................................................................. 7
Operation ............................................................................................................ 8
4
4.1
Switching ON the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument ............................................................................. 9
4.2
Switching OFF the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument ........................................................................... 9
4.3
Measurement .............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3.1
Operating Mode „Normal“ ................................................................................................................ 10
4.3.2
Operating Mode „Average Value“ .................................................................................................... 10
4.3.3
Operating Mode „Water Calculation“ ............................................................................................... 11
4.4
Settings.................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4.1
HD2-Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.4.2
Material Calibration .......................................................................................................................... 13
4.4.3
Detecting Sensor/Probe ................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.4
Language ......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.5
Auto-Power-Off ............................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.6
Display Illumination .......................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.7
Display Contrast .............................................................................................................................. 18
4.4.8
Probe Info ....................................................................................................................................... 18
4.4.9
HD2-Info ......................................................................................................................................... 18
5
Technical Data HD2 ........................................................................................... 19
6
Handling of the TRIME-PICO Probes ................................................................ 20
6.1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 20
6.2
Measurement Volume of the PICO Probes ............................................................................................. 20
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Operating Instructions HD2
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Recommended way to achieve the best possible accuracy with the HD2 kit ........ 21
7
7.1
Measurement directly in the sand and gravel pile .................................................................................. 21
7.2
Measurement of laboratory samples in the bucket .................................................................................. 22
8
Exchange of the Probe Rods ............................................................................. 25
9
Technical Data SONO-M1 probe ....................................................................... 26
9.1
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SONO-M1 probe ..................................................................................................................................... 26
2011-12-05
Operating Instructions HD2
1 General Notices
Please read the operating instructions carefully.
Should you have any further questions, please contact our service department under the contact data depicted above. In no event should you attempt to open and repair the device yourself. Should you like to file any
guarantee claims, please contact the distribution partner where you purchased the device.
Within the scope of product improvements, the device is subject to technical and optical changes.
1.1
Intended Use
This portable measuring instrument was designed to serve as a reading device for various IMKO probes.
Only respectively intended probes may be connected to the device. The connection of a probe not intended
for connection may lead to the destruction of the device and/or the connected probe.
1.2
The Chargeable Accumulator
Never exchange the integrated accumulator yourself.
The stated maximum operating periods refer to ideal conditions. The ambient temperature and the charging
cycle can significantly reduce the performance time. In addition, the charging capacity reduces itself for technical reasons within the course of the utilisation of the device or due to storage at very high or low temperatures.
1.3
Charging the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument
Only deploy the respectively provided charger or a comparable power supply unit to charge the HD2 portable
measuring instrument. Any deviation of the charging voltage can lead to damage to the device.
Should the device heat up during the charging process, this is normal and not connected with any hazards.
Should the HD2 only function for a short period or not at all in spite of several attempts to charge it, the integrated accumulator is defective and must be exchanged. In this case, please contact our local distribution
partner or us directly.
1.4
Temperatures and Ambient Conditions
The HD2 portable measuring instrument was designed for deployment under rough conditions.
The operation of the device under conditions beyond those depicted may lead to damage to the same.
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Operating Instructions HD2
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2 Control Elements
Probe/Charger Connection
„UP“
 Back to previous Menu
Item or Setting
 Direct link to “CHOOSE
– Material Calibration”
(Mode: Normal / Average)
 Direct link to “Density
setting” (Mode: water
calculation)
„Measurement/Activate“

Shutting ON/OFF-  press 1s

Perform Measurement  press
shortly

Selection of a Menu Item  press
shortly

Storing a setting  press shortly
„Settings“
„DOWN“

Go to next Menu Item or
Setting

Deleting the Value Memory
(Mode – Average Value)
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
Conclude Settings

Leave Menu Item
2011-12-05
Operating Instructions HD2
3 Initial Commissioning
Safety Instructions
3.1
Attention: Before initial commissioning, do not fail to read the General Notices, Item 1 at the front of these
operating instructions. Any not intended use may lead to damage to the device.
Checking the Delivery Scope
3.2
HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument
Plug-in Power Supply Unit (12V/2A)
Charging Adapter
Protective Hood
Manual
3.3
Charging the Accumulator
The integrated accumulator should be charged before putting the device into operation the first time. For this
purpose, plug in the provided charging adapter into the 7-pole socket of the HD2. Subsequently, connect the
plug-in power supply unit to the charging adapter. In the event that the device is already switched on, or if the
accumulator is exhaustively discharged, the charging process will commence immediately. If not, switch on
the HD2 by pressing the button „Measurement“
for approximately 1 second. An active charging process is
signalised in the display by an animated accumulator symbol.
The integrated charging electronics charges the accumulator until the same is completely charged. In case of
exhaustive discharge, this will approximately take 2 hours. As soon as the charging process is concluded, all
4 „accumulator bars“ will be permanently presented in the display and the trickle charging will commence.
Attention:
3.4
Only charge the accumulator at room temperature (approximately between 10°C and
30°C)! At too low temperatures, it may happen that the charging concluding shut-down
does not operate safely and the accumulator is over-charged. Too high ambient temperatures may lead to damage to the HD2 due to the additional heat-up during the
charging process.
Connecting a Sensor
The HD2 portable measuring instrument can be operated with the following IMKO-moisture probes:
Connect the moisture probe to the HD2 by plugging in the 7-pole plug into the respectively provided socket at
the HD“ and fastening the coupling nut.
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Operating Instructions HD2
4 Operation
Key/Button Designation:
Key/Button
Designation
Measurement

Shutting ON/OFF-  press 1s

Perform Measurement  press shortly

Selection of a Menu Item  press shortly

Storing a setting  press shortly
Settings

Conclude Settings

Leave Menu Item
UP

Back to previous Menu Item or Setting

Direct link to “CHOOSE – Material Calibration” (Mode:
Normal / Average)

Direct link to “Density setting” (Mode: water calculation)
Down

Go to next Menu Item or Setting

Deleting the Value Memory (Mode – Average Value)
Display Symbols:
Symbol
Designation
Residual Accumulator Capacity
Active Measurement
Settings are stored
Intensity of the Background Illumination
Remaining time until shut-down (illumination / APO)
Press button „UP“
Press button „DOWN“
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Operating Instructions HD2
Text Meaning:
Text
Meaning
Cal.:
Number of the active calibration in the probe
Moist.:
Moisture Measurement Value
Notice: Depending on the set calibration, the measurement value may refer to %vol, %grav or ns
Temp.:
Temperature
EC-Trime:
Electrical Conductivity based on the TDR signal
Serialno.:
Serial Number of the probe, respectively of the HD2
HW:
Hardware Version
FW:
Firmware Version
Switching ON the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument
4.1
Switch ON the HD2 by pressing the button „Measurement“
for approximately 1 second.
During the starting-up process, the HD2 will attempt to communicate with the connected probe. This will take
approximately 4 seconds. If no probe is connected, or the probe is not able to communicate for any reason,
an error message will be generated on the display.
If the probe was successfully detected, the accordingly set background of the operation mode will appear on
the display and the HD” is ready for deployment.
Notice:
Should no connection to the probe be possible in spite of several attempts, check if the probe
is connected properly. Should this not deliver a positive result, please contact our service department.
Switching OFF the HD2 Portable Measuring Instrument
4.2
Switch OFF the HD2 by pressing the button „Measurement“
Notice:
for approximately 1 second.
It is not possible to shut off the HD2 while it is in the „Settings“. Please, first leave the menu
item „Settings“ by pressing the button „Settings“
until the measurement display appears.
Measurement
4.3
The HD2 portable measuring instrument disposes of three operating modes:
1. Normal  Individual Value Display – presents the measurement variables Moisture, Temperature
and the EC-Trime
2. Average Value  presents the average value of the moisture of up to 6 individual measurements
3. Water calculation  determine the content of water in l/m³
Notice:
During a measurement, no further actions are possible. It is necessary to wait until the
measurement is concluded.
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Operating Instructions HD2
4.3.1
2011-12-05
Operating Mode „Normal“
After switching on the HD2 portable measuring instrument, the following display will appear in the operating
mode „Normal“ after the start screen:
Number of selected
Calibration
Serial No. If connected
probe
Residual Accumulator Capacity
Name of selected Calibration
Measurement Value: Moisture
Measurement Value: Temperature
Measurement Value: TDRConductivity
In order to initiate a measurement, shortly press the button “Measurement”
. The measurement will com-
mence and a turning
-symbol will appear instead of the accumulator-symbol in the upper right hand corner. During this period, no other actions can be performed. The measurement requires approximately 4 to 5
seconds. Once the measurement is concluded, the accumulator-symbol will reappear and the measured
values will be generated on the display. The display of the values will be maintained until a new measurement
is conducted.
4.3.2
Operating Mode „Average Value“
In this operating mode, only the moisture is measured and an average value of up to 6 individual values is
evaluated. Depending on the set calibration, either the volumetric or the gravimetric moisture is presented.
After switching on the HD2 portable measuring instrument, the following display will appear in the operating
mode „Average value“ after the start screen:
Individual Values of
the Measurements
Number of selected
Calibration
Residual Accumulator Capacity
Average Value
oft he Measurement
In order to initiate a measurement, shortly press the button “Measurement”
. The measurement will com-
mence and a turning
-symbol will appear instead of the accumulator-symbol in the upper right hand corner. During this period, no other actions can be performed. The measurement requires approximately 4 to 5
seconds. Once the measurement is concluded, the accumulator-symbol will reappear. On the left hand side
of the display, the individual values of the measurements will be presented. The currently measured value is
presented at Position 1 and old values will be shifted one position onwards. The arithmetic average value is
displayed on the right hand side. The average value is calculated out of the existing individual values up to a
number of 6 values.
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Notice:
Operating Instructions HD2
Only a maximum of 6 values can be stored in the list. Older values are removed from the list
and are no longer involved in the formation of the average value.
In order to delete the measurement series, actuate the button „Down“
.
TIPP:
4.3.3
Operating Mode „Water Calculation“
In this operating mode, only the variable Moisture is measured. There will be up to six single values stored
and concluded to an average value. Out of this the water content per m³ is calculated. To get the correct water contend it is necessary to set up the density of the measured material.
The continuous measurement is initiated by actuating the button „Measurement“
. The same is concluded
by actuating the button „Measurement“
once more. The currently pending measurement is performed
completely once more and the sequence is concluded.
Individual Values of
the Measurements
Number of selected
Calibration
Residual Accumulator Capacity
Density in kg/dm³
Average of Water
content in l/m³
In order to delete the measurement series, actuate the button „Down“
To set up the density of your material, actuate the button „Up“
the display:
.
. Then you will get the following screen in
Adjust the density of your material by actuating the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
. Confirm your setting by pressing the button
“Measurement”
. You will then automatic get back to the measurement screen. Leave the setting without changing the density by
pressing the button „Settings“
.
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Operating Instructions HD2
4.4
2011-12-05
Settings
There are various options to modify and align the settings of the HD2 portable measuring instrument. You will
reach the following menu configuration by actuating the button „Settings“
By actuating the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
, the entry intended for processing can be marked and sub-
sequently be selected with the button “Measurement”
menu “Settings”, with the button “Settings”
:
. You can exit the current menu item, and also the
.
An Overview of the Setting Options
Settings
Designation
HD2-Mode
Switching the Operating Mode
(German/English)
- „Normal“
 measurement of the variables Moisture, Temperature, and
EC-Trime
- „Average Value“  determination of the average value of up 6 individual
moisture measurement values
- „Water Calculation“  Calculates the content of water of the material in
l/m³
Material calibration
Choosing or change the needed Material Calibration
Detect Probe
A new search for a connected probe (if an error has occurred during the
activation of the device)
Language
Switching the System Language
-German
-English
Auto-Power-Off
Setting of the automatic shut-down
Display Illumination
Setting of the Background Illumination
- Turn-Off-Time
- Intensity
LCD-Contrast
Setting of the ideal contrast
Probe Info
Issues various information regarding the probe
HD2-Info
Issues various information regarding the HD2 portable measuring instrument
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4.4.1
Operating Instructions HD2
HD2-Mode
In this menu item, the operating mode of the HD2 portable measuring instrument can be changed.
With the selection „Normal“, an individual measurement of the three probe parameters Moisture, Temperature and the EC-Trime is selected.
The parameter Moisture, depending on the selected calibration, the moisture in volumetric or gravimetric
percentages or can state the running period of the TDR pulse. In case of the display of the running period,
the percent-symbol must be understood as „ns“.
When selecting “Average Value”, depending on the selected calibration, only the moisture in %vol or %grav,
respectively the running period in ns, is determined. The measured value is stored in a list of up to 6 measurement values. The arithmetic average is formed out of this list.
Notice:
Only a maximum of 6 values can be stored in the list. Older values are removed from the list
and are no longer involved in the formation of the average value.
The selection “Water Calculation” will switch on the mode getting the contend of water in l/m³ of the measured material. To get the measurement value of a bigger volume, you can probe on different places of your
material. The single values will summed up in one average value.
By actuating the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
, the entry intended for processing can be marked and sub-
sequently be selected with the button “Measurement”
. After the selection, the symbol
will appear in the
upper right hand display corner which indicates that the selection is activated and has been stored.
4.4.2
Material Calibration
Depending on the task of the deployment, various calibrations are deposited in the probe. These can be volumetric calibrations for grounds of various densities, gravimetric calibrations for the measurement of sand
moisture contents, or also running period calibrations.
You can select the calibration required for your application within the menu item „Material Calibration“. This
enables to cover a multitude of deployment options with merely one probe. Also it is possible to setup your
own calibration, to get the possibility to measure special materials.
After the selection of the menu item „Material Calibration“, you
have to choose between “CHOOSE”, to save one out of fifteen
calibration as default calibration, or “CHANGE”, to setup a new
calibration in one of the fifteen calibration storages
Menu item: “CHOOSE”:
The 15 calibration options are called up by name which requires a short moment of time. Subsequently a
display in a similar form as follows will be generated:
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Operating Instructions HD2
2011-12-05
The list can be scrolled and the wanted calibration be selected by
actuating the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
. The “!“ in front of a
calibration indicates the currently active one. You can set the selected calibration to become the active one by actuating the button
„Measurement“
. After a short moment, the symbol
will appear in the upper right hand display corner to indicate that the selection has been activated. In addition, the „!“ will be placed in front
of the now active calibration.
HINT:
Get to this menu item directly out of the measurement screen, by actuating the button
„Up“
.
Menu item: “CHANGE”:
Here you’ve got the possibility to setup your own material calibration or to change an existing one to your
requirement. Therefor two options are available:
1-point calibration:
- Shifts a calibration curve to a choosen moisture point.
- The gradient isn’t changed.
- Only one measurement is necessary.
2-point calibration
-
Creates a linear calibration between two measured moisture
points
-
Two material samples with differnet moisture values are nedded.
1-point Calibration:
In this material calibration option only an offset of the appointed calibration is done. As there is no changing of
the gradient proceeded, it is necessary to choose a calibration curve that fits to the material.
Notice: To perform a 1-point material calibration you need a sample of the material to be measured. You
have to determine the moisture of this material with another process before starting the calibration.
Procedure:
First you have to set the calibration curve to be changed (01 – 15)
by pressing the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
.
Apply your setting by actuating the button „Measurement“
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.
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Operating Instructions HD2
Next set the moisture oft the material by pressing the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
.
Apply your setting by actuating the button „Measurement“
.
To start the measurement push the button „Measurement“
. To
increase the accuracy four measurements take place. The whole
time of measurement is about 20 seconds. Afterwards the measured average impulse duration is shown for a short moment.
Notice:
Ensure that the probe rods are totaly covered with the
material the whole time of measuring.
Attention: If you choose “SAVE” at the end of calibration, the stored calibration inside the probe is overwritten! The only possibility to get back the original calibrations is to connect the probe with a RS485
adapter (for example SM-USB) to the PC. Also you need the software PICO-Config.
Finally you can store the calibration into the choosen calibration
storage inside the probe. Choose „SAVE“ an confirm by pressing
the button „Measurement“
thing is left untouched.
. If you choose “DISCARD” every-
To track the changed calibration, ist name is left untouched, but a
„OWN:“ is prefixed.
2-point Calibration:
At the 2-point material calibration, two material samples with different moisture values are measured. Out of
this a linear equation ( f(x) = mx + b ) is calculated. Also a higher polynomial would give a higher accuracy,
the linear equation produces very good results especially in lower moisture values.
Notice: To perform a 2-point material calibration you need two material samples with different moisture values. You have to determine the moisture of these materials with another process before starting the
calibration. The sequence, first the lower moisture point and second the higher moisture point must
be strictly adhered.
Procedure:
First you have to set the calibration curve to be changed (01 – 15)
by pressing the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
.
Apply your setting by actuating the button „Measurement“
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.
Operating Instructions HD2
2011-12-05
Next set the moisture oft the lower moisture point by pressing the
buttons „Up“
and „Down“
.
Apply your setting by actuating the button „Measurement“
.
To start the measurement push the button „Measurement“
. To
increase the accuracy four measurements take place. The whole
time of measurement is about 20 seconds. Afterwards the measured average impulse duration is shown for a short moment.
Notice:
Ensure that the probe rods are totaly covered with the
material the whole time of measuring.
Next set the moisture oft the higher moisture point by pressing the
buttons „Up“
and „Down“
.
Apply your setting by actuating the button „Measurement“
.
To start the measurement push the button „Measurement“
. To
increase the accuracy four measurements take place. The whole
time of measurement is about 20 seconds. Afterwards the measured average impulse duration is shown for a short moment.
Notice:
Ensure that the probe rods are totaly covered with the
material the whole time of measuring..
Attention: If you choose “SAVE” at the end of calibration, the stored calibration inside the probe is overwritten! The only possibility to get back the original calibrations is to connect the probe with a RS485
adapter (for example SM-USB) to the PC. Also you need the software PICO-Config.
Finally you can store the calibration into the choosen calibration
storage inside the probe. Choose „SAVE“ an confirm by pressing
the button „Measurement“
thing is left untouched.
. If you choose “DISCARD” every-
To track the changed calibration, ist name is left untouched, but a
„OWN:“ is prefixed.
Hint: Save your calibrations which are stored inside the probe to your PC. All you need is a RS485
adapter (such as SM-USB) and the software PICO-Config. Hereby you can also copy the calibrations created by yourself to other probes.
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4.4.3
Operating Instructions HD2
Detecting Sensor/Probe
In the event that that communication problems arise with the probe at the activation of the HD2 portable
measuring instrument, or if no probe was connected, or it is intended to exchange the probe during operation,
this menu item should be selected. After selection of this menu item, the HD2 will again attempt to establish a
connection to the connected probe. If this attempt is successful, the serial number of the probe will appear
in the display.
Should a connection not be possible, „No probe detected“ will be generated on the display.
Notice:
4.4.4
Should no connection to the probe be possible in spite of several attempts, check if the probe
is connected properly. Should this not deliver a positive result, please contact our service department.
Language
In this menu item, the language of the HD2 portable measuring instrument can be selected. Currently, the
user has the choice between the languages English and German. You can select the desired language by
actuating the buttons „Up“
and „Down“
and activate the same via the button „Measurement“
activation of the language, the symbol
will appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
4.4.5
. After
Auto-Power-Off
In the menu item „Auto-Power-Off“, you can select an automatic shut-down offered in various time periods.
Hereby, you can select between the following shut-off times:
- 1 Minute
- 2 Minutes
- 5 Minutes
- 10 Minutes
- 20 Minutes
, respectively also deactivate the automatic shut-down function (Display „—min“).
For this purpose, select the desired shut down time by actuating the buttons „Up“
activate the same via the button „Measurement“
right hand corer of the display.
Notice:
4.4.6
. After activation, the symbol
and „Down“
and
will appear in the upper
The HD2 will only automatically shut down, if no further button is actuated. Any actuation of a
button will lead to the shut down time to start again.
Display Illumination
If required, the background illumination of the display can be individually adjusted. Consequently, this enables
the option to save power and to prolong the operational period.
After the selection of the menu entry, the following screen will be presented on the display:
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Operating Instructions HD2
2011-12-05
The selection of the background illumination, respectively the time until the automatic shut-down of the same
is selected via the button „Up“
by actuating the same several times. Using the button „Down“
, you can
adjust the intensity of the illumination, respectively turn the same completely off. Activate and store your settings by actuating the button „Measurement“
hand corner of the display.
4.4.7
. After activation, the symbol
will appear in the upper right
Display Contrast
At extreme temperatures, it may be necessary to adjust the contrast of the display in order to be able to clearly read the display. For this purpose, select the menu item „Display Contrast“. Change the contrast by actuating the button „Up“
„Measurement“
, respectively „Down“
. After activation, the symbol
. Activate and store your settings by actuating the button
will appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
Change the contrast by actuating the button „Up“
, respectively
„Down“
. Set the contrast that you can realize the whole grayscale on the diagram. Activate and store your settings by actuating
the button „Measurement“
. After activation, the symbol
appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
4.4.8
will
Probe Info
By selecting this menu item, after a short moment, you will be issued various information regarding the connected probe.
These are:
-
Serial Number
Probe Type
Hardware Version (HW)
Firmware Version (FW)
4.4.9
HD2-Info
By selecting this menu item you will be issued various information regarding your HD2 portable measuring
instrument.
These are:
-
Serial Number
Hardware Version (HW)
Firmware Version (FW)
Accumulator Capacity
Accumulator Voltage
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Operating Instructions HD2
5 Technical Data HD2
Height
36mm
Width
64mm
Length
150mm
Weight
Power Consumption
Power Down
Idle
Measurement per Charge
ca. 35µA
- Background Illum. OFF
- Background Illum. Max
ca. 26mA Idle
ca. 56mA
- Background Illum. OFF
- Background Illum. Max
Probe turned ON
ca. 100mA
Measurement
ca. 350mA
20°C / Background Illum. Max
Mode – Continuous Measurement
ca. 5000
Connectable Sensors
SONO-M1, SONO-M2, PICO64, PICO32, PICO-IPH
Storage Temperature
-30°C up to 80°C
Operating Temperature
-20°C up to 70°C
Charging Temperature
10°C up to 30°C
Charging Voltage
Nom. 12V, Max. 15V, Min. 12V
Charging Current
ca. 1A
Charging Time
At exhaustively discharged accumulator. 2h
Accumulator
Ni-MH (4 x 1.2V) (AA), 2000mAh, >1500 Measurements
Physical BUS
RS485
Bus-Protocol
IMP-Bus Port Settings
IMP-BUS-Protocol II
8 Data Bits, 2 Stop Bits, Odd Parity
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Operating Instructions HD2
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6 Handling of the TRIME-PICO Probes
6.1
Introduction
The determination of the soil moisture content with the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology has in
the mean time managed to well-establish itself on the market. In former times, the reliable measurement of
the moisture was laborious and not always accurate. Since the development of the TRIME-TDR technology,
there no longer any reason to rely on complicated and inaccurate technologies.
6.2
Measurement Volume of the PICO Probes
The penetration depth of the electrical and magnetic flux lines in theory reach indefinitely far into the measured material. However, the effective penetration depth of the SONO-M1 probes relevant for the measurement is approximately 2 cm in the vicinity of the probe rods. The illustration demonstrates the effectively
registered measurement volume (green waveform).
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Operating Instructions HD2
7 Recommended way to achieve the best possible accuracy with the HD2 kit
7.1
Measurement directly in the sand and gravel pile
For measurements in sand pile, make sure that the probe (rods) is inserted in the material until the blue
probe body. To obtain a representative moisture value of your material, select the operating mode "Average
Value" and take measurements at different locations.
Bitte beachten Sie dabei, dass Ihr Material bei langer Trockenheit oberflächlich trockener ist, als in tieferen
Schichten. Hat es zum Beispiel nach längerer Trockenheit geregnet, ist das Material nun an der Oberfläche
feuchter. Um das beste Messergebnis zu erhalten Messen Sie am besten an unterschiedlichen Stellen und in
unterschiedlichen Tiefen.
Please note that after drought your material is dryer at the surface, as in deeper layers. For example: Did it
rain after prolonged drought the material is now more wet on surface as in deeper layers. To get the best
results measuring in different places and at different depths.
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Operating Instructions HD2
2011-12-05
Measurement of laboratory samples in the bucket
7.2
Following requirements has to be fulfilled, to ensure the optimal accuracy of the system:

The probe rods has to be covered completely by the material to be measured

The bucket has to have a volume of 10 liters or more and has to be non-metal

The bucket should be as far as possible cylindrical

The filling depth of the bucket has to exceed the rod length by minimum 5cm
Are the above described requirements fulfilled and the measurements are executed as described below
the optimal measurement results can be reached
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Operating Instructions HD2
1. Dump the sand sample into the bucket
2. Compact the sand sample by lifting the bucket 5cm and letting it fall down vertically onto a solid
base and repeat this procedure 5 times (if there is still to see a compaction after 5-times repeat
this procedure until there is no more compaction to see!)
3. Insert the probe rods into the sand sample completely, if the probe body reaches the surface of the
sand and press until you feel counter pressure of the sand (neither jiggle nor rotate the probe
while inserting!)
a. For gravel and grit also compact the material before inserting the probe, additionally jiggle the bucket while inserting the rods, as the sensor is difficult to insert without, additionally this helps to ensure, that the material is in well contact with the probe rods!)
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Operating Instructions HD2
2011-12-05
4. Measure once with the HD2 handheld device
5. Remove the probe out of the material and jiggle the bucket to loosen up the material
6. Repeat the steps 2. to 4. Twice until you have determined three values
7. Dump the sand sample into another bucket, the measure the sample from the bottom side (this is
especially recommended for gravel and grit and if the sand sample is close to saturation, as in
this case it could be possible that the free water is moving through the material to the bottom of
the bucket!)
8. Repeat the steps 2. to 4. three more times until you have determined six values
9. The average value out of the six measurements now can be used for your documentation
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Operating Instructions HD2
8 Exchange of the Probe Rods
In the event that the probe rods are damaged, the same can be easily exchanged.
1) Prepare the gaskets, the probe body, and the
probe
rods
3) Press the gaskets until they reach the interior
thread
2) Press the gaskets into the bore holes
4) Screw the rods into the probe body
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Operating Instructions HD2
9 Technical Data SONO-M1 probe
9.1
SONO-M1 probe
For measurement of the moisture content in sand, and gravel

State-of-the-art sensor with integrated TDR-electronics

Measurement Value Range 0..40 vol.%

Integrated Temperature Sensor

Deployable up to more than 5dS/m Total Conductivity (Bulk-Soil-Conductivity).

Measurement Volume ≙ 1000ml

Robust (IP68), proven, and suited for long-term installation
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2011-12-05
Operating Instructions HD2
Power supply:
7V..24V-DC
Power consumption:
100mA @ 12V/DC during 2..3sec. of measuring
Moisture measuring range:
0..100% volumetric water content
Accuracy (in % volumetric water content):
±0.2%
conductivity range:
0..5dS/m
Repeating accuracy:
±0.3%
Temperature caused drift of electronics
(full range):
±0.3%
Material temperature measuring range:
-15°C...50°C
Material temperature measuring accuracy:
±0,5°C (permanent installed, complete in the Material)
Measurement volume:
1,0L ≅ 130x100mm diameter
Operating Temperature:
-15°C...50°C
Calibration:
Calibration for sand and gravel is installed
customizable material specific calibration
storage of up to 15 user defined calibration curves
calibration of dialectric permittivity is possible
Probe body:
waterproof sealed PVC (IP68)
Size:
155 x Ø63mm
Rod lenght:
standard: 130mm
Rod diameter:
6mm
Interface:
1,5m cable with 7-pin female connector
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PRECISE MOISTURE MEASUREMENT
in hydrology, forestry, agriculture, environmental and earth science,
civil engineering, as well as individual applications!
www.imko.de
IMKO GmbH Im Stöck 2 Germany-76275 Ettlingen Phone +49-(0)72 43-59 210 Fax +49-(0)72 43-9 08 56 e-mail INFO@IMKO.de www.IMKO.de